Shows like Pretty Little Liars to binge-watch now if you're craving some serious drama
Right, fellow Pretty Little Liars fans – we know you, like us, will be waiting with bated breath for the upcoming reboot of the HBO Max mystery teen drama.
We know spin-off TV series Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin will see a whole new generation of characters grace the fictional Rosewood, Pennsylvania hometown of the original series – and we’re assured it will be as chock full of dark twists and turns as its forerunner.
“Roberto [writer] and Lindsay [producer] are expanding the Pretty Little Liars universe with more mystery, murder, and scandal, and we can’t wait,” HBO Max head of content Sarah Aubrey said in a statement.
No secrets here.
We’re ready to be just as invested in this new show as we were between 2010 and 2017, watching the antics of teenage girl group Spencer, Aria, Hannah and Emily as they navigated the disappearance of their Queen Bee, Alison. We can’t wait to discover the plot line for the new show, which we're sure will be every bit as gripping!
Trouble is, there’s still no release date for its reincarnation – expected sometime in 2022 – which leaves us with the big ol’ quandary of what to watch in the meantime. One pretty compelling option is to rewatch the original seven seasons of Pretty Little Liars which recently returned to Netflix – cue much applause and nostalgic binge-watching.
But if you’ve already reached saturation point with the OG series, and are looking for something similar to whet your viewing appetite?
The CWGossip Girl
Gossip Girl
How could we not mention the original Gossip Girl? For those who just can’t get enough of high school scandal, this six-season-strong series is the one. It follows the privileged lives of Serena van der Woodsen and her childhood best friend slash on-off rival Blair Waldorf – and the action features the same complex, dark storylines that had us addicted to Pretty Little Liars. While we can't deny our loyalty to the OG show, there's also the Gossip Girl reboot to follow up with afterwards. XOXO.
Watch on Apple TV.
Warner BrothersThe O.C.
It may have come out in the early Noughties, but The O.C. never really gets old. Follow teenagers Seth, Ryan, Marissa and Summer as they navigate growing up in the privileged surroundings of Orange County – and the drama, angst and romance that comes along with it. Whether you're rewatching or just didn't get the time to watch the first time around, this show makes for stellar viewing.
Watch on All 4.
NetflixRiverdale
This mystery drama, based on the characters of Archie Comics, was developed by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa – the playwright responsible for Glee and the upcoming Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin series. All the usual teen drama (romance, school troubles and family life) with a hint of supernatural and sinister criminal activity; we’re into it!
Watch on Netflix.
NetflixYou
If your only qualm with Pretty Little Liars was that it wasn’t *quite* dark enough, then we've got just the thing: You – which follows the life of serial killer, stalker and sociopath Joe, played by Penn Badgley. Season three is currently a hot topic, as viewers have become more and more invested in what Joe and his wife Love Quinn will do next. Happy viewing, folks – although maybe not straight before bed.
Watch on Netflix.
MTVAwkward
If you’re looking for something a little lighter but still in the ‘teen drama’ category, Awkward is for you. It’s a comedy-drama set in California, which tells the tale of social outcast Jenna as she navigates the high school trials of peer pressure, friendship troubles and love drama. Oh, and there’s a whole five seasons to enjoy.
Watch on Netflix and Apple TV.
ABCRevenge
Watch cold-blooded Emily Thorne’s quest for vengeance after her family’s reputation is ruined, in this top-rated show set in the affluent seaside community of the Hamptons.
Watch on Disney+.
NetflixThe Society
This modern reimagining of The Lord of The Flies is supremely watchable, chronicling the lives of a group of Connecticut teenagers forced to run their own town after all the adults mysteriously disappear. Starring Big Little Lies' Kathryn Newton, The Society will keep you hooked.
Watch on Netflix.
CBS90210
This show – a remake of Darren Star’s hit 90s show – follows the story of protagonist Annie Wilson, who relocates, with her family, from Kansas to the glamorous LA distract of Beverly Hills. It’s packed with suspense and scandal-filled plot lines, and is a surefire contender to rival Pretty Little Liars addictive nature. Plus, we can't get enough of AnnaLynne McCord's curls.
Watch on All 4.
